A Look Back at AOTA INSPIRE 2026
Thousands of occupational therapy researchers, educators, clinicians, and students convened in Anaheim, CA at the annual AOTA INSPIRE Conference – the world’s largest gathering of occupational therapy professionals.
The entire OT community showed up in full force at AOTF’s Booth, where hundreds of meaningful conversations and connections took place.
Not only did they show up in presence, but they also showed up in support. Thanks to our onsite donors and generous gift-matching sponsors, we raised over $18,000 in just 4 days to support our research grants, scholarships, and fellowships.
Here’s our recap of our favorite moments of community connection from AOTA INSPIRE 2026:
Building the Future Leaders of OT:
STRIDE Scholars Present Their Research Projects
This year, the AOTF Standing for Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (STRIDE) Committee awarded STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarships to five OT graduates and clinicians from diverse backgrounds, pairing them alongside an OT scientist for a hands-on research experience.
The culmination of this program was at AOTA INSPIRE, where they presented the posters they developed throughout the 22-week program during a poster session.
Institute for Future Scientists Fosters a Student–Scientist Connection
Over thirty entry-level OT students traveled to Anaheim to participate in the AOTF-AOTA Institute for Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy. There, they participated in a two-day professional development experience. During this program, they connected with panels of leading OT scientists who shared opportunities in OT science, considerations for evaluating potential doctoral programs, and career opportunities for scientists.
Advancing Evidence-Based Practice:
State of the Science Symposium Shares Coaching Insights
Our 2026 State of the Science Symposium: The Coaching Connection: Where Evidence Meets Practice in OT gathered top research experts, including Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, MJ Mulcahey, PhD, OTR/L, FASIA, CLCP, and Scott D. Tomchek, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA. This panel discussed the current evidence base, opportunities for future research, and practical strategies for integrating coaching into OT practice.
Recognizing Research Excellence:
Research Symposiums Spotlight OT Research at All Career Stages
During our Academy of Research and Research Excellence Symposiums, we brought together leading OT scientists from all career stages, from early-career associate professors to esteemed professor emerita, to share presentations about their research.
Honoring our 2026 Award Recipients
At the AOTA awards and recognitions ceremony, we presented special awards to our 2026 recipients.
Congratulations again to the following OT research leaders:
- Academy of Research: Kristie K. Patten, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Carolyn M. Baum, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
- Virginia Scardina Award: Renee Watling, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
- A. Jean Ayres Award: Tara J. Glennon, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA
- Mid-Career Research Excellence Award: Andrew C. Persch, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA
- Early-Career Research Excellence Award: Emily Kringle, PhD, OTR/L
Convening our AOTF Community:
PEER Hangout Brings Together Emerging Research Community
Around 20 aspiring and early-career OT researchers joined our successful Promoting Engagement and Empowerment In Research (PEER) Hangout, where they connected with each other to share experiences, upcoming opportunities, and grow their OT research professional network.
Honoring our 2026 Award Recipients
After three years of virtual collaboration, all four members of the Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Scholarship Committee were finally able to come together in-person to celebrate their sucess,
Thanks to the outstanding leadership of Joanne Flanagan, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Clare Giuffrida, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Aimee Piller PhD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA, Susan Knox, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, this scholarship is now endowed. It will continue to support both Dr. Ayres legacy and the next generation of sensory processing leaders.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Anaheim, and we’re looking forward to seeing you all at AOTA INSPIRE 2027 in Boston next year!
